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Undeniably inferior to the respected David Lean version of the Dickens story, this adaptation of Great Expectations is on its own terms a perfectly adequate and enjoyable little film. Yes, it lacks the Lean version's ability to actually get under the skin of the characters it is portraying, as well as its ability to capture that peculiar flavor that is known as "Dickensian." These are demerits that shouldn't be taken lightly, and one especially wishes that this version were richer in the original's spirit, rather than opting for a more "syrupy" Hollywood tone. Still, this Expectations does present a great deal of the lengthy novel's story and presents it in a clear and rather engaging manner. Dickens' story, even when deprived of some of its sociopolitical sting, is one that cannot help to appeal to viewers, and even if the characters lack the full distinctiveness that Dickens gave them, it's hard to resist the likes of the tragic Miss Havisham. In the lead role, Phillips Holmes is okay; he's not brilliant, but he gets the job done. Florence Reed is not the perfect Havisham, which is a disappointment, but Henry Hull does rather well as Magwitch and Jane Wyatt and Alan Hale are quite good.